I've got the new gasket in hand, and new (old) old pan, and I wondering what I do next? I have never done this before. I scraped the old gasket off the block with a razor blade, then buffed it out with a scotch bright pad and some gas. Is there a special next step, paste, sealer, heat? or do I just line it up and tighten evening?

Providing the 2 surfaces are in good shape you shouldn't need to do anything other than install the gasket. For added insurance you could use the Permatex as said above. When I do it I put a thin layer on one side of the gasket, fit that to one side of the assembly then coat the other side and put it together. I am paranoid about any extra adhesive getting somewhere it shouldn't be.

Lastly, what's with the little "ears" on the oil pan behind the threaded hole for the engine mount? Since my motor was down to one bolt holding it in place (a front nut and bolt) before I started I never really saw the rear hardware? What's the configuration back there?

Driveshaft just bolts on no certain way. The starter same thing just make sure it works before putting it back on so you will not need to do this again. The dipstick seal is just a grommet as you see and the tabs on the pan are where the flywheel shroud bolts go to hold the shroud on.